Northern Ireland Countryside Survey
The NI Countryside Survey has been monitoring long-term change in the countryside since the 1st survey was carried out in the late 1980’s/early 1990’s. Since then, the survey has been periodically repeated; with the most recent 2023/24 survey being the 4th time it has been carried out.
Overview of the NI Countryside Survey
The survey is a stratified random sample of 500x500m squares (25ha in area) based on the Northern Ireland Land Classification (Cooper 1986). For the 1st and 2nd survey, 628 squares were randomly selected, representing 1.1% of the NI land area. This was subsequently reduced to 288 squares (0.5% of NI land area) to facilitate increased survey effort, enabling field surveyors to record more detailed field attributes in each square.
Field survey consists of three main components.
- Mapping - field boundary and landcover mapping using Broad Habitat and Primary Habitat classifications.
- Plot Survey - this data supplements the mapped habitat attribute data with an assessment of current species composition. Five types of plots have been recorded throughout the history of the NI Countryside Survey; Woodland, Grassland, Field Edge, Heath & Bog and Hedgerow Diversity.
- Soil Sampling - this was introduced in the 4th NI Countryside Survey to provide a baseline as to how soil health varies across a wide range of habitats.
Each repeat of the NI Countryside Survey builds on the previous survey, using improved methodologies and technology, whilst still retaining the ability to compare change over time.
The NI Countryside Survey timeline:
By re-surveying land using statistically robust, comparable methods, countryside change can be tracked over time. Results provide a consistent basis for analysis of the effects of countryside, agricultural and other policies, pressures or drivers of change upon the fabric of the countryside. Where possible, results are combined with Countryside Survey data from Great Britain to produce an overall picture of change at a UK scale.
The specific location of each square is kept confidential to maintain the scientific integrity of the survey methodology.
Further Information
Further information on the NI Countryside Survey methodology and history, as well as other reports can be found in the links below.
The 1st Northern Ireland Countryside Survey
The 2nd Northern Ireland Countryside Survey
The 3rd Northern Ireland Countryside Survey
The 4th Northern Ireland Countryside Survey
Publications
NI Countryside Survey Publications
The Great Britain Countryside Survey.
Any queries relating to NI Countryside Survey should be directed to EFS.MEF@daera-ni.gov.uk